Gwynedd Council urges tourists to stay at home

In light of the unprecedented Coronovirus Covid-19 situation, Gwynedd Council is urging people to follow the national guidance not to travel to the area.

Gwynedd is an area that welcomes millions of visitors every year, and the tourism sector contributes over £1 billion to the local economy.

However, during this period of emergency, Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn is urging people not to visit the area and to return home if they are already in Gwynedd. By doing this, they will be protecting themselves, the people of Gwynedd and essential health and care services.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn said: “We are in an unprecedented period of a world-wide emergency due to Coronovirus Covid-19

“We urge anyone who is considering visiting Gwynedd and Snowdonia at present not to do so. This is to stop the spread of the virus and to limit the impact of visitors on health and care services which are already under extreme pressure locally.

“If you are already in Gwynedd on your holiday, in a caravan or second home for example – we urge you to return to your main residence and not to return to the area until the situation improves.

“We also urge owners of holiday parks, caravan parks and self-catering properties including Airbnb to close immediately for the wellbeing of all Gwynedd’s residents, and a letter has been sent to ask them to do this immediately if they haven’t already done so.”

Visitors are being asked to stay away from Gwynedd during this unprecedented situation.

Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, Councillor Gareth Thomas added: “Before the Coronovirus emergency, the tourism sector employed over 16,000 people in Gwynedd and it is impossible to fully comprehend what impact the virus will have on this sector and every part of our local economy.

“Gwynedd has welcomed tourists for centuries, and we recognise the important contribution they make to our area and in supporting our economy. However, we cannot welcome visitors at this time, and we ask politely but firmly that they stay away or return to their main home addresses, and to then come back to visit the area when we will have overcome the current situation.

“For the time being the message to visitors is simple – by leaving your homes and coming to Gwynedd now you are putting your health and the health of the people of Gwynedd at risk.”